A 35-year-old Mountain View man is accused of stealing from Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
A 35-year-old Mountain View man is accused of stealing from Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
A two-count complaint filed by prosecutors May 31 in Hilo Circuit Court charges Patrick Kepano with second-degree theft and fourth-degree theft. According to the complaint, the thefts occurred on July 3, 2012.
A police spokeswoman said Wednesday the items Kepano is accused of stealing are an ukulele worth $450 and a digital camera valued at $140.
Deputy Prosecutor Jefferson Malate said that Kepano was employed at the school when the thefts occurred, but didn’t know if he was still employed there. He said that authorities were alerted after Kepano attempted to pawn the stolen items. School principal Brad Bennett declined to say whether Kepano still works at the school, stating that he “cannot comment on personnel matters.”
A bench warrant set Kepano’s bail at $2,250.
Second-degree theft is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment, while fourth-degree theft is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.